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Are You a Smart Home Seller?

Monte Mohr

Updated:
05/06/2013 01:58:24 AM EDT

By Monte Mohr

These days we've all heard stories about home sellers, or we've known someone with a home that has sat on the market for a year or more. These dreadful tales are enough to make even the most fearless home sellers question their decision to enter into today's market. While there are no guarantees surrounding your real estate transaction, the good news is that there is plenty you can do as a home owner to prevent your home from sitting on the market any longer than necessary. So the question is, are you a smart home seller? Experts agree that there are three key factors to attend to if you want to sell your house quickly and for the most money possible.

Price

Setting a realistic price for your home is critical. It is ultimately up to you as the seller what you will accept as a final selling price, but if you are unrealistic about the real market value of your home, you could end up sitting on the market for a very long time. Before deciding upon a listing price, have your real estate agent run a comparative market analysis on similar homes in the area. Think about the features that the comps are offering (i.e., granite countertops, three stall garages, hardwood flooring, etc.) and how your home falls into those categories. Does your home offer more or less features? Slide your price accordingly. If you have the means, you may want to have an appraisal conducted on your home prior to listing it, as this will give you a very solid idea of the fair market value of your home.

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Smart sellers understand that setting the correct price right away makes all the difference in attracting the most promising segment of potential buyers.

Presentation

A properly staged home always sells faster than a poorly staged home; and it assures that you'll get the maximum dollar amount in the sale. Staging refers to deep cleaning the entire house (pay specific attention to the kitchen and baths), decluttering, depersonalizing and arranging furniture to make your house feel as warm, open, and appealing as possible. A smart seller wants their potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in the space. Think about how model homes are staged and aim for the same effect. Of course, presentation does not end with great staging. In addition to staging, sellers must take the necessary steps to rectify any obvious blemishes/minor issues such as a leaky faucet, chipped paint, stained carpets, etc. Once those items have been fixed, it's always a good idea to spruce up the exterior grounds to allow for maximum curb appeal.

Pictures

Online listing photographs have never been more important than they are in today's visual society. Years ago, buyers did not have the opportunity to view properties until their agent took them to personally tour a home. But that has changed, and now the majority of home buyers begin their home search on the Internet. Smart sellers recognize that this has become their opportunity to make a great first impression. The photos taken of your home must be perfect. If a buyer doesn't like what they see online, they'll skip your home and move onto the next, never giving it a second look. You can't sell a house if you don't get people through your front door to take a look. Buyers are looking for ways to eliminate houses from their search; don't let poor photos be a roadblock in your path to a successful sale.

Monte Mohr has sold over 2,500 homes, making him one of America's top Realtors for the last 25 years. This experience has given him a unique perspective on the Nashville real estate market where he can be found at http://www.tennesseedreamhomes.com. He is also a regular contributor of real estate information here at Nashville's NBC affiliate station, WSMV Channel 4. To learn more about Monte Mohr's experience as a real estate agent, to get free advice about your biggest real estate challenges, or to request an interview contact him at Info@TennesseeDreamHomes.com.

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